Cranes, construction work and temporary diversions are a common sight on Umeå University's main campus, Campus Umeå. A completely new building is being built right by Universum and Aula Nordica to house examinations. But through clever design, the building can also be used for other activities between exam periods, such as teaching and conferences. This contributes to a sustainable use of premises. We're looking forward to the new building being completed in autumn 2025.
Hans Wiklund, University Director
Photo: Mattias Pettersson
But really, we should avoid building new to the greatest extent possible. In the new Property management plan for 2024–2027, which the University Board has adopted, the University is to implement the so-called four-step principle. In this order, the principle means to: 1. reduce the required floor area; 2. intensify use of space; 3. adapt, supplement or re-build current premises; 4. build new, but climate-friendly and sustainably.
Available data on the use of premises indicate that we could use university premises more efficiently. Changes to working methods during and after the pandemic have also led to new needs and questions regarding the design and use of premises. The new examination building meets the high requirements on energy, indoor environment and material necessary to achieve the certification "Miljöbyggnad Gold"*.
Campus environs also need to promote a healthy lifestyle. For those who enjoy exercising, the astroturf football field, running tracks, outdoor gyms and walk-and-talk routes inspire physical activity. Accessible infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists promote healthy and climate-friendly modes of travel to and from campus.
At the centre of the main campus, in front of the MIT Building, we are now building new indoor bike parking with room for around 150 bikes and the possibility to charge electric bikes. A desire for better bike parking is something many students and staff have expressed, not least during the many visits the University Management has made to departments and offices.
Umeå University has also initiated a certification called Healthy Campus. This certification requires systematic activities focused on physical activity, food and health. Healthy Campus also corresponds well with the University's profile, and the ambition is that Umeå University will apply for this certification in 2023.
Climate and sustainability is another important element of campus development. In Umeå University's Action plan for climate and sustainability 2021–2023, several activities concerning sustainable events, waste management and biodiversity can be found. Among the 40 activities mentioned, 39 are deemed to be completed within the documents life span – at the end of this year. Umeå University's improved position in the sustainability-oriented ranking Times Higher Education Impact Ranking is another proof that our climate and sustainability endeavours pay off. And by the way, a new action plan for 2024–2026 is being drafted this autumn semester.
Climate and sustainability arouse engagement! Even at Umeå Arts Campus its buzzing with life. With the aim to create a more sustainable campus, together with the property owner, but also to contribute to a more sustainable town throughout Umeå, knowledge from the Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå Institute of Design and Umeå Academy of Fine Arts is being used. Examining the riverside campus from a bee's perspective provides food for thought and a good basis for the continued work.
* Miljöbyggnad is the most widespread environmental certification system for buildings in Sweden. If a building has a Miljöbyggnad certification, this means that its environmental properties have been assessed by a third party. Source: Sweden Green Building Society.